Suez Crisis 1956 + Decolonisation Historography

Question 1

Different views on WHY British Empire Declined

Answer 1

1. Rise of Superpowers
2. Britain’s economic decline
3. Growth of rebellions in colonies
4. Changing attitudes in politics

Question 2

Suez Crisis SPEED UP DECOLONISATION

Answer 2

Lanning: Suez ‘speed up withdrawl from colonies’
Evidence: Indepence to African nations in 60s + turning to Europe

Darwin: Suez was ‘subtle and diffuse’

Question 3

SUEZ CRISIS DID NOT SPEED UP DECOLONISATION

Answer 3

Low: ‘Suez did not make a long term impact on decolonization’

• Already in British governments mined, already promised independence to Ghana
• African nationalists speed up

Question 4

VIEWS ON SUEZ CRISIS

Answer 4

Pearson ‘Anatomy of tragedy’ + ‘Reluctant gamble’

‘Symbol of the end of imperial destiny’-Val